Alibaba
Protected Area
Atoll de Fakarava
Why dive here
With 146+ marine species recorded in the area - including blacktip reef sharks, dolphins, giant moray eels, octopuses and sperm whales - Alibaba offers some of Rangiroa's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-29°C, warmest March, April, May.
Alibaba, tucked inside Rangiroa's Tiputa Pass, is one of our absolute favourites for a reason. You'll drop into the blue, holding a line, watching the grey reef sharks cruise the channel entrance. It's a deep blue scene before you even hit the reef. Then, the real fun begins as you peel off and let the incoming current pull you into the "Ali Baba Canyon." This isn't your average drift. We love how the canyon walls provide shelter from the main rush, letting you slow down and really absorb the details. Look for the big schools of fusiliers, the snapper, and the occasional grouper sheltering in the crevices. Keep an eye out for humphead wrasse, they’re often around, and the moray eels are always out and about. We’ve even seen a tiger shark on a lucky day, though that's a rare treat. The maximum depth of 28 metres means it's accessible for most, but the current can be strong, so you need to be comfortable with drift diving. Alibaba is a thrilling dive, perfect for those who enjoy dynamic drift dives and want to experience Rangiroa's shark action up close without being swept away.
Typical Alibaba Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Reviews for Alibaba
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Alibaba
Alibaba Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Alibaba, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
26.84°C
80°F
Current Speed
13.04 cm/s
Direction: W (274.4°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.073 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
36.37 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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